For more than 50 years, the Maria Mitchell Observatory (MMO) has offered summer research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics on the picturesque island of Nantucket. Many of our interns have gone on to successful careers as astronomers at leading universities, observatories and other organizations around the world. In 2008, the Maria Mitchell Association received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring for its success mentoring student research in astronomy.

In 2013, six summer internship positions will be available for qualified undergraduate astronomy and physics students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Student interns at the MMO work on individualized research projects under the guidance of an experienced astronomer. Current areas of research include formation of stars and galaxies; groups and clusters of galaxies; stellar populations; stars clusters; astrophysical masers and lasers; cosmology and the early universe; history and culture of astronomy. Data for projects are obtained from Hubble Space Telescope, leading ground-based optical, infrared and radio telescopes, and next generation surveys such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Students also develop their hands-on observational skills with the MMO's 24" and 17" research telescopes equipped with modern CCD cameras.